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Signed into law October 31, 1994, the California Desert Protection Act created the 1.6 million acre Mojave National Preserve in the heart of the Mojave Desert. Mojave National Preserve was established to preserve outstanding natural, cultural and scenic resources while providing for scientific, educational and recreational interests for current and future generations.

Three of North America's four deserts; the Mojave, Great Basin and Sonoran meet in the Preserve to form an immense transition zone. With sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, desert scrub land and mountain-top forests, Mojave is a land of great diversity.

Mojave is also home to nearly 300 species of animals, including desert bighorn sheep, coyotes, mule dear, and the protected desert tortoise. There are also many types of birds that inhabit the area such as the golden eagle, quail, hummingbirds and roadrunners. Desert plants are specially adapted to living in this hostile environment. Many have waxy surfaces to reduce moisture loss while the cactus stores its water in fleshy stems. Other common plants include the creosote bush, Mojave yucca, Joshua tree, sage brush, juniper and pinon pine. With sufficient rainfall during winter and spring, wildflowers can bloom in abundance blanketing the ground in rainbow colors. In all, the Preserve offers one of the most unique ecosystems in the Mojave Desert.

Temperatures during the summer often exceed 100 degrees. Be sure to bring enough water for you, your passengers and your vehicle. When hiking carry at least one gallon of water per person. Wear clothing that will protect you against the sun and wind. Nights during the summer may be cool so bring extra layers of clothing. The winter months may also bring adverse weather conditions. Temperatures may drop to below freezing with snow and freezing rain a possibility. When adventuring on rugged 4x4 roads always let someone know where you are going and bring tools with you that will help if you become stuck in the sand or get a flat tire.

There are two developed campgrounds in Mojave National Preserve located at Hole in the Wall and at Midhills and also some sites at Providence Mountain State Recreation area. Mojave's campsites have picnic tables, fire rings and pit toilets. Water is available at both campgrounds and is seasonal as the weather changes. Group camping is available at the Hole in the Wall Group and Equestrian site by reservation only. Camping is also permitted in the backcountry or by the roadside at least 1/4 mile from the main roadways. When selecting a campsite outside of the established campgrounds please choose a site that has been traditionally used and do not disturb any of the native vegetation. Please call the Baker Information Center for more details.

There are two established trails in Mojave. Teutonia Peak trail is located 4 miles north of Cima on Cima Road. This four mile round trip trail winds through a scenic Joshua Tree forest strewn with granite boulders. Another adventuresome trail is the Hole in the Wall to Midhills trail which travels seven miles one way through the Midhills from Hole in the Wall to Midhills Campground.

This scenic 4x4 road runs approximately 139 miles from the Colorado River to Camp Cady near Barstow, CA. Over the years Native Americans used this trail as a trade route and later early American settlers used the road as a passageway through the desert heading westward. During the 1860's the U.S. Army established outposts approximately every 20 miles to insure the safety of the settlers. Today avid 4x4 enthusiasts enjoy traversing the rugged terrain as a day trip or a weekend excursion.

Hunting is permitted within the boundaries of the Mojave National Preserve. Hunting seasons run from September to February. Common game species include Mule Deer, Quail, Chukar, and Mourning Dove. All hunting activities must be conducted in accordance with county, state and federal regulations. Please refer to California Fish and Game Regulations for further details.

When Mojave National Preserve was created in 1994 almost fifty percent of the park was set aside as wilderness. Wilderness areas were created to help 'get away from it all' and delight in the peace and solitude one can enjoy without the noise and confusion of today's modern society. Wilderness areas prohibit the use of any motorized or mechanical device such as automobiles, helicopters, bicycles and off road vehicles.

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Kelso Dunes rise more than 700 feet above the desert floor. The dunes were created by southeast winds blowing finely grained residual sand from the Mojave River sink, which lies to the northwest. Rose quartz particles are responsible for the dunes golden color. When the dry sand grains slide down the steep upper slopes a "booming" sound may be produced. A hike to the top and back takes approximately two hours. The Kelso Dunes are closed to all vehicles.

Kelso Depot was built by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1924 to service the steam engines that made the climb up the steep Cima grade. The depot closed in 1985 and today it is one of only two remaining railroad stations built in the Spanish style architecture. The National Park Service is working to restore the building and grounds to one day serve as the main visitor center for Mojave National Preserve.

Editor's note: The restoration of the Kelso Depot has been completed and is now open for visitors.

More than 30 young volcanic cones clustered on the surface of old lava flows are probably the best example of recent volcanic activity (1,000 years ago) in the Mojave Desert. Aiken Cinder Cone Mine Road provides an interesting side trip through the heart of the region. High clearance/4x4 vehicles are recommended.

At an elevation of 4,300 feet, this popular destination features unusual volcanic rock formations and activities including camping, picnicking and the nearby visitor center. There are also two trails leaving from the area; One, the Hole In The Wall Rings Trail, leaves the picnic area and travels west approximately one-quarter mile through the volcanic rock using metal rings to descend and the other, the Hole In The Wall to Midhills, is a seven mile trail which starts on Wildhorse Canyon Road near Hole In The Wall and winds through the terrain to Midhills Campground-Elevation change of 1,100 feet. Rock climbing on the fragile volcanic rock is not recommended.

Piute Creek/Fort Piute is located on the easternmost side of the Preserve. A narrow ribbon of willows, cottonwoods, and thrushes thrive along the half mile section of Piute Creek, one of the only free flowing streams in the Mojave Desert. It was an important water source for Indians, early explorers and animals. Fort Piute was built by the U.S. Army and served as a base from November 1867 to May 1868. Opportunities abound for hiking and bird watching.

Clark Mountain is the highest peak in Mojave at 7,929 feet. Mountaintops receive two to three times the rainfall of the lower elevations and are much cooler. These unique habitats support a very different array of plants and animals than areas even a few miles away, and are among the interesting desert ecosystems.

This area is administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and is open for camping, hiking and picnicking. Also open for tours are the limestone caves, known as Mitchell Caverns. Guided tours, which last about 1.5 hours and require a 1.5 mile hike, provide access to the caverns. Call (805) 942-0662 for information about reservations and tour times.

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• Target shooting is not permitted within Mojave National Preserve.
• Wilderness areas are open to foot or horse traffic only. No motorized/mechanized vehicles are permitted.
• All vehicles operated within the boundaries of Mojave National Preserve must be street legal, having valid registration and insurance. Driving off established roads is prohibited.
• Gathering of plants/wood is not permitted.
• Do not damage, deface or remove any archeological or historical resources.
• Dogs must remain on leash at all times except when used during hunting.
• Fires must remain in existing fire rings or fire pans.

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